Illness and Death from Compounding Pharmacy’s Contaminated Drugs Highlight Need for Best Practices

A few weeks ago I briefly posted this article about a deadly outbreak of fungal meningitis. It generated lots of reader interest. Sadly, the story of the outbreak is still making news, with additional reports of illnesses and deaths. It’s an important story, so here it is again, with a few updates, for those who may have missed it.

You’ve probably read the recent news stories about an outbreak of meningitis in 19 states. As of this writing the death toll has risen to 30, and over 400 cases of serious illness have been reported. The Centers for Disease Control has traced the outbreak’s origin to contaminated steroids from a Massachusetts-based compounding pharmacy.

The contamination resulted from the compounding pharmacy’s attempt at high-volume drug production using inadequate facilities, equipment and practices. As more information about compounding pharmacies’ practices comes to light, I’m wondering why better standards and operating procedures, supported by clear documentation, aren’t in place at these facilities.

Compounding pharmacies don’t follow industry best practices

Compounding pharmacies are supposed to be small enterprises that make up batches of specialized prescription drugs for individual physicians and hospitals, or specialty products like creams and ointments. Their facilities, equipment, and processes aren’t meant for large-scale manufacturing.

They’re not classified as drug manufacturers, so they aren’t required to follow many of the pharmaceutical industry’s best practices—not even when they ramp up their production to unsafe levels and start shipping products all over the country. But should it really matter that they aren't required to follow best practices? When best practices ensure public safety, it makes sense to follow them whether or not you’re required to do so. It’s simply the right thing to do.

Considering the grievous consequences of releasing contaminated drugs, I think these robust, rigorously applied GxPs make a lot of sense for all drug manufacturers.

Best practices for compounding pharmacies could save lives

It’s time for the compounding industry to recognize the need for best practices that will help avert more tragedies like this meningitis outbreak. The good news is that many of these best practices already exist. Adopting appropriately modified versions of the large-scale manufacturers’ GxP’s would help safeguard the public while helping compounders operate safely and efficiently.

Do you agree that the compounding industry must adopt, and adhere to, best practices similar to those followed by the larger manufacturers? Let us know your thoughts.